Best cookware sets 2024: A private chef’s top picks for a perfect kitchen

As a commerce editor by weekday and a private chef by weekend, I’ve had my fair share of culinary adventures — and misadventures. Let me tell you, nothing quite compares to the thrill of testing the best cookware sets while simultaneously trying not to burn down my kitchen or disappoint a client.

RELATED: Best flatware and silverware sets

In my quest to find the holy grail of pots and pans, I’ve seared, sautéed, and simmered my way through more cookware than I can keep up with. From the sleek and stylish Caraway ceramic cookware sets that make my Instagram-obsessed clients swoon to the professional-grade All-Clad stainless steel cookware that has me feeling like a Michelin-starred chef (even when I’m just making mac and cheese) to the rising star Made In that’s been turning heads in both home and professional kitchens. These brands have become the talk of the town — or at least the talk of my chef-y social circle.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook looking to upgrade your kitchen arsenal with a best cookware set or a newbie who can barely boil water without incident (no judgment here), I’m about to take you on a ride through the world of premium cookware. We’ll explore the good, the bad, and the “why-did-I-think-cooking-bacon-shirtless-was-a-good-idea” of these top brands.

From nonstick cookware sets to induction cookware that’ll make your cooktop sing, we’ll cover it all. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make an informed decision about the right cookware for your needs — whether that’s a stainless cookware set, a ceramic cookware collection, or a versatile kitchen cookware set that can do it all. So, let’s dive into the world of pots, pans, and everything in between, and find the perfect stainless steel cookware set or induction cookware set to elevate your dinner party game.

Click to go straight to our FAQs and How We Tested section, or scroll on to shop the best cookware we’ve tested.

Best Overall: Made In Stainless 10-piece Set

Made In has established itself as a top-rated cookware brand, offering professional-quality pots and pans at more accessible prices for home cooks. The company’s products, manufactured in the U.S. and France using premium materials, have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional performance and durability and won our top spot as the best cookware set you can buy.

The Made In 10-Piece Stainless Steel Set offers premium 5-ply construction for superior heat distribution and control. Crafted in Italy, this professional-grade cookware features stay-cool handles and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. The set provides essential pieces for a complete kitchen overhaul, backed by a lifetime warranty.

After using this set for the first time with very high expectations, I’m thoroughly impressed by its performance and durability. The 5-ply construction is not just marketing hype; it genuinely delivers exceptional heat distribution and responsiveness. During my rigorous testing, I found that these pans heat up rapidly and maintain consistent temperatures, which is crucial for achieving restaurant-quality results.

The set’s versatility is impressive. I’ve used it on various cooktops in test kitchens and clients’ homes, including induction, gas, and electric, with consistently excellent results. The stay-cool handles are a thoughtful feature that I particularly appreciate during long cooking sessions or when multitasking in a busy kitchen.

One minor drawback is that some foods tend to stick, especially if not properly preheated. However, this is common with stainless steel and can be mitigated with proper technique. The weight of the pans, while indicative of their quality, might be challenging for some home cooks.

Number of pieces: 10 | Material: Stainless Steel | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Runner-Up: Caraway 12-Piece Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

Jump on board the healthy cooking train with the chemical-free brand Caraway. We’re a personal fan of the Caraway frying pan, and its results are truly delicious. Each piece is coated with ceramic and comes in a sophisticated selection of colors such as cream, navy, sage, and more, with a new limited edition stainless steel cookware set just in time for holiday foodie gifting.

Caraway cookware sort of has a cult following, and we’re not surprised. The brand makes gorgeous cookware sets that work with a variety of stovetops, so regardless if you find yourself cooking with gas or electric, you’ll be good to go. None of the pans have any nasty toxins, plus they’re available in a wide variety of colors.

“I love using the Caraway frying pans for my breakfast scrambles just as much as I love its large pot for boiling pasta for dinner,” said our Commerce Journalist Victoria Giardina. “Not only does it look good but it performs just as good, too. Each pot’s handles make it ergonomic to lift while cooking (with pot holders or an oven mitt, of course) and I love how they’re oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s a pretty strong heat retention and they’ve been holding up for one year so far.”

What is more, our Updates Editor Holly J Coley said of Caraway’s Stainless Steel Set, “I’ve owned stainless steel cookware before but never fully appreciated it or knew what to look for until testing Caraway’s Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set. Good cookware is pricey but after reviewing this set, I understood why. Never have I experienced such lightweight stainless steel that seemed to evolve with my cooking process. Being more mindful of the heat and cleaning is something I’ll have to get used to, but it’s worth it.

“The meal I made to test it with came out perfect — heated all the way through (I was cooking with frozen vegetables as well as fresh), and I was even able to brown some bits without damaging the cookware the way I have with other sets. It’s an investment but will pay for itself in years of culinary masterpieces. I absolutely love it.”

Number of pieces: 12 | Material: Ceramic-coated aluminum | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Starter Set: Kitchen Academy Nonstick Pots and Pans Set

The Kitchen Academy 30-Piece Cookware Set offers a comprehensive collection of nonstick pots, pans, and bakeware with a stylish green granite coating. This versatile set is compatible with all stovetops, including induction, and features eco-friendly, PFOA-free materials for healthier cooking. With its wide range of pieces, from frying pans to baking forms, this set provides everything a home cook needs to equip their kitchen.

I initially chose this Kitchen Academy set as my starter kit when I first moved to NYC and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. The nonstick coating worked exceptionally well, allowing me to cook delicate dishes like fish and eggs without worrying about sticking. I appreciated the even heat distribution, which helped me achieve consistent results across various cooking techniques.

However, as I progressed in my career, I found myself wanting more specialized pieces for certain tasks. While the set served me well for everyday cooking, I eventually invested in higher-end cookware for more demanding professional use. That said, I still keep this set as a reliable backup and often recommend it to clients who are setting up their first kitchen or looking for an affordable, comprehensive cookware solution.

Number of pieces: 30 | Material: Aluminum with granite coating | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Not specified (hand wash recommended)

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Best Design: Our Place Cookware Set

Our Place sells some of the best pots and pans out there, and there’s no denying it! If you feel like sticking with an internet favorite, we recommend opting for the brand’s Always Pan 2.0 Home Cook Trio. With just one pan, you can boil, crisp, bake, braise, roast, steam, strain, serve, pour, and so much more.

RELATED: Read our review of the fan-favorite Always Pan

The cookware from Our Place is made with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum, which we feel really good about. It also doesn’t contain lead or PFAS, so if you’re trying to limit exposure to harmful metals, this a great brand to try. What we like best about this particular cookware set is that it’s designed to nest, which saves you major cabinet space. And while this set only comes with three pans (each of a different size), you can get the Our Place Perfect Pot in a selection of sizes if that’s what you’re after, or go all in and opt for the Ultimate Cookware Set which features all of the essentials any home chef needs to create delicious, camera-ready dishes.

According to our Manager of Commerce Strategy and Development Sophie Cannon, “If you treat it right, it will last! I will say that I am an intense cook, and so when used on high heat or with some acidic ingredients, the pots and pans may lose their non-stick abilities faster than other brands. Performance-wise, I use the Always Pan Mini and Perfect Pot Mini every day and leave them on my stovetop. I cook for one, so the mini size is perfect, and having a wipe-clean non-stick surface is a time saver when cleaning up.”

Number of pieces: 4 | Material: Ceramic-coated aluminum | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Ceramic: Xtrema Signature Series Set

“Once you go ceramic, you never go back,” Commerce Journalist Miska Salemann mused. Xtrema’s unique ceramic pieces are handcrafted by skilled Chinese artisans, lightweight, and produce an even cooking surface.

“I honestly was not expecting to like this brand so much because I’ve always believed that everything tastes and looks better on cast iron,” explained Salemann. “I was wrong. In terms of quality, I would say Xtrema is just as nice — sleek and glossy, plus it contains no metals that could make their way into food. The ceramic is VERY lightweight. That was the first thing I noticed — definitely makes cooking a lot easier when you don’t have to struggle to move a cast iron pot or pan.”

She continued: “Something else interesting about ceramic versus cast iron: with cast iron, if you accidentally overheat the skillet, it’s very difficult to bring down the temperature which can ruin your food. That doesn’t happen with ceramic. You can easily take the pan off the stove and it will adjust quickly. It’s super helpful for beginner cooks.”

Number of pieces: 7 | Material: Pure ceramic | Induction: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Budget: Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware 15-Piece Set

Even if you’re not much of a chef, it’s smart to have a cookware set handy. This one doesn’t break the budget, has amazing reviews on Amazon, and is of the non-stick variety. A spiral bottom helps to distribute heat throughout each pan, and the handles are soft and cool to the touch. To keep them in prime condition, I suggest not turning up the heat super high.

This was my first cookware set when I was in college. Not only did it do the job (and well), but it didn’t cost an arm and a leg, each piece was easy to handle, and everything could be tossed in the dishwasher. Easy, affordable, and quality.

Number of pieces: 15 | Material: Aluminum with non-stick coating | Induction: No | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Cast Iron: Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron 5-Piece Cookware Set

We know you know Le Creuset. How can you not? The cookware brand is iconic, especially for its Dutch ovens. We love it for that single piece alone, which may be the reason we like this 5-piece set so much. Use it to create a hardy stew (via the Dutch oven) while sautéing greens or a protein in the others. Available in practically every color of the rainbow, you won’t even want to put the set back in its cabinet.

“Le Creuset is an excellent and iconic brand that every serious home chef appreciates,” raved Coley. “I like its Dutch ovens best, especially for stews or anything you need to cook for a longer time. Unlike cheaper cookware I own, the interior is more durable and resistant to burns. It’s also easy to clean. On a scale of one to 10, I’d say the cookware’s performance is a 10,” she continued. “It works for gas, electric, and the oven. Pieces are designed so food items are not overcrowded in the pans, which helps everything heat properly.”

Number of pieces: 5 | Material: Enameled cast iron | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Copper : Mauviel M’Heritage Copper 7-Piece Cookware Set

Made in France and forged to perfection, it doesn’t get much better than Mauviel M’Heritage when it comes to copper cookware. Although an investment, culinary professionals and novices with an appreciation for fine cuisine adore this brand, and so do I.

This copper cookware is an investment. However, it’s something you’ll be able to keep for years and even pass down to future generations. An excellent conductor of heat, the made-in-France cookware features stainless steel handles that keep your hand cool while cooking. If you find you need one extra pot or saucer, an 8-piece set, as well as a 12-piece copper set, is available at Williams Sonoma.

As a chef, I’ve found that there’s something incredible about a copper cookware set, especially a high-quality one made in France. It’s my absolute favorite material to cook on — surpassing even cast iron — for literally everything. This set is a gorgeous heirloom that will be used for generations after me…or at least displayed.

Number of pieces: 7 | Material: Copper with stainless steel lining | Induction: No | Dishwasher safe: No

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Best Premium Quality: 360 Cookware 6 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

360 Cookware’s surgical-grade stainless steel allows for even cooking at low and high temperatures. It also requires less oil, thanks to its proprietary Vapor Technology.

“The brand 360 Cookware is one that needs to be on more people’s radar,” raved Giardina. “Namely, its stainless steel composition and elegant composition make it a dream to not only cook with but also to display on your countertop when not in use. Each piece from 360 Cookware boasts proprietary Vapor Technology that helps create fast, even heat, creating the finest end result. The lids are specially designed, too, helping to capture heat to move around your food — not escaping out at the sides. Additionally, I never feel like the coating or interior is jeopardized when I clean each pot or pan after cooking. The brand uses the highest-quality stainless steel with the most glossy finish I’ve ever seen. The products are all backed by a lifetime warranty as well.”

Number of pieces: 6 | Material: Stainless steel | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Premium Quality: 360 Cookware 6 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set

360 Cookware’s surgical-grade stainless steel allows for even cooking at low and high temperatures. It also requires less oil, thanks to its proprietary Vapor Technology.

“The brand 360 Cookware is one that needs to be on more people’s radar,” raved Giardina. “Namely, its stainless steel composition and elegant composition make it a dream to not only cook with but also to display on your countertop when not in use. Each piece from 360 Cookware boasts proprietary Vapor Technology that helps create fast, even heat, creating the finest end result. The lids are specially designed, too, helping to capture heat to move around your food — not escaping out at the sides. Additionally, I never feel like the coating or interior is jeopardized when I clean each pot or pan after cooking. The brand uses the highest-quality stainless steel with the most glossy finish I’ve ever seen. The products are all backed by a lifetime warranty as well.”

Number of pieces: 6 | Material: Stainless steel | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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Best Long-Lasting: All-Clad Copper Core 7-Piece Cookware

Okay, we know this is a pricier cookware set, but it’s copper core y’all! It’s one of the best materials to make sauces, gravies, and anything else you need to cook evenly over a longer period. The handles of the pots and pans have a curved silhouette for comfortable gripping, and I’m never mad at its glossy exterior.

The construction of All-Clad cookware is impressive to say the least. Easy to clean and care for thanks to a lack of crevices and connective joints, it’s as if each All-Clad piece is dipped in silver before it finds its way to your stovetop.

Number of pieces: 7 | Material: Stainless steel with copper core | Induction: Yes | Dishwasher safe: Yes

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How We Tested

Testing cookware is no small feat and as a personal chef (and editor) I refused to cut corners. I paid close attention to the following criteria when judging each cookware set:

1. Material quality:
   • Durability
   • Heat conductivity
   • Resistance to corrosion
   • Non-reactivity
   • Non-toxicity
2. Performance and user experience:
   • Heat retention
   • Non-stick properties
   • Versatility
   • Cooktop compatibility
   • Volume capacity
3. Safety:
   • Handle heat resistance
   • Lid fit
   • Stability

These remain the key characteristics I look for when shopping for cookware and what I recommend others do as well. In my experience, cookware that doesn’t meet this criteria shouldn’t be on your stove.

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FAQs

What is the number one rated cookware?

When it comes to the number one rated cookware, Made In and Caraway stand out as top contenders in the home cooking world. These brands have garnered widespread acclaim for exceptional quality and performance, earning high marks from both professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Made In’s stainless steel cookware set, in particular, has received rave reviews (in addition to being the most impressive brand tested). What sets Made In apart is its commitment to craftsmanship, using premium materials and innovative designs that deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results in home kitchens.

From its ability to distribute heat evenly to its durability and sleek aesthetics, Made In has established itself as a leader in the cookware industry, making it a top choice for those seeking the best cookware for their culinary adventures.

What cookware do most chefs use?

Professional chefs use a variety of cookware depending on whatever they are preparing. However, certain types of cookware are more popular than others.

1. Commercial-grade cookware: Many chefs use brands like Winco and Vollrath, which are designed for professional kitchens. These brands are often more affordable and durable than high-end consumer brands.
2. Material variety: Chefs typically use a mix of materials, including:
   • Stainless steel
   • Carbon steel
   • Aluminum
   • Cast iron
   • Copper (in some high-end kitchens)
3. Specific types of pans: Some popular choices among chefs include:
   • Frying pans
   • Saucepans
   • Rondeaus (for one-pan meals)
   • Sauciers (for sauces and risottos)
   • Butter warmers
4. Practical considerations: Chefs often prioritize cookware that heats quickly and responds well to temperature changes. For example, aluminum pans are popular because they heat faster than other materials.

It’s worth noting that the cookware used in professional kitchens may differ from what’s marketed to home cooks.

What is the least harmful cookware?

If you’re wary of non-stick cookware, you’re not alone. The main concern many have is the risk of toxic substances such as perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) getting into the food once it hits a certain temperature. Fortunately, there is no shortage of healthy non-stick cookware options.

One cookware brand we like is GreenPan. Along with being high-performance, it’s PFAS-free. Other options include Caraway Cookware, which has a non-toxic coating, and Our Place Cookware, which is PFAS-free, made without Teflon and comes in biodegradable packaging. Another alternative is sticking to stainless steel cookware sets.

Read More

• We tried the fan-favorite, Always Pan
• We reviewed the non-stick cookware
• I’m a private chef, these are the cooking tools I recommend
• Best cast iron cookware sets
• Best cooking gadgets

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